About this Research Topic
The changing pattern in the epidemiology of influenza viruses underscores the importance of continuous surveillance and management strategies. A multisite surveillance program in every nation efficiently helps in accumulating statistically significant epidemiological data that further helps in the vaccine formulations each year. There has also been a significant concern related to influenza viruses jumping the species barrier. This not only puts humans at health risk but also significantly affects a nation’s economy. The newly reassortant viruses can pose a serious challenge in their management and treatment strategies. The most recent 2009-H1N1 influenza pandemic is the best example of their ability to undergo genetic re-assortment interspecies leading to a global disease burden with an unprecedented spread.
In the wake of ongoing SARS-CoV2 pandemic, it is extremely important to monitor the changing trends and epidemiology of influenza viruses. It is crucial to understand the pathophysiology of concurrent influenza infections in patients infected with SARS-CoV2 and other respiratory viruses.
Vaccination is still the best strategy to prevent influenza, however the high rate of mutations in the viral genome demands continuous worldwide efforts to develop effective antiviral strategies and other therapeutics. Such studies will enhance the understanding of the viral pathogenesis and help the scientific community to develop better strategies to manage yearly epidemics and unpredicted pandemics.
The Guest-Editors of this Research Topic welcome original research articles, perspectives, methods, and reviews, and aim to assemble a collection of articles highlighting, but not limited to:
• Epidemiology of influenza and other respiratory viruses
• Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis
• Development of molecular assays, diagnostic tests and therapeutics against influenza and other respiratory viruses
• Vaccine development and antiviral strategies for influenza and other respiratory viruses
• Recent findings related to influenza and SARS-CoV2 co-infections
Keywords: Influenza virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, Epidemiology, vaccines, antiviral strategy, viral diagnosis
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.